SKILLFUL Argentinian, Julio became Gareth Southgate's first senior player when he signed from Sunderland in the summer of 2006.

He signed a five-year deal for £1.75m after making more than 100 apearances for the Black Cats and scoring 12 goals - including a memorable free-kick to seal a 2-0 win against Boro at the Riverside in 2005-06.

Julio previously played for Argentinos Juniors, who include Maradona and Redondo as two of their most celebrated graduates.

He was spotted by ex-Sunderland boss Peter Reid while playing for Argentina Under-21s against England in 2000 and after completing a £3.5m transfer duly scored on his Black Cats debut against West Ham United.

Equally comfortable at left back, left wing or in midfield, Julio has made a name for himself as an attacking playmaker.

He made his Boro debut in the opening game of the 2006-07 season, a 3-2 defeat away to Reading in Boro's first game at the Madejski Stadium, Saturday August 19 2006.

He broke a bone in his foot shortly before half-time in that game and was out of action until a reserve game away to Blackburn where he played 70 minutes on Monday October 2 that year.

It was after an inspired switch to a central midfield berth by manager Gareth Southgate that Arca really found his feet at the Riverside,

His knowledge of the left-wing role enabled him to link up well with Stewart Downing, regularly finding the England man with incisive balls inside the full-back.

Julio scored in North East derbies against Newcastle and then former side Sunderland early in 2007/08 but a serious knee injury sustained against the Black Cats led to a near three-month absence from the side.

Injury again played a part in restricting Julio's appearances in 2008-09 as he made just 18 in the Barclays Premier League and three in the E.ON sponsored FA Cup.

Back fitter and as good as ever, Julio made an impressive start to the 2009/10 season.